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Articles from Wayne Davies | Selfgrowth.com
- When to Take Depreciation Instead of the Section 179 Deduction - by Submitted on Sep 26, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe Section 179 deduction is often the best thing for the small business owner since sliced bread. But there are situations when it may not be the best thing for your business. This article will introduce you to one of those situations so you can make the right decision and minimize your taxes ...
Views: 916 - What Happens If You File a Business Income Tax Return After September 15? - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe due date for business income tax returns on extension is September 15. If that date has passed and you still haven't filed a return for your corporation, partnership or LLC that is being taxed as a corporation or partnership, what are the consequences? The short answer is this: You will ...
Views: 2569 - What Are State Payroll Taxes and Why Must You Pay Them? - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2011 from Wayne DaviesEvery small business owner with employees must withhold and then pay state payroll taxes. It's just part of doing business that every employer must handle properly. If you don't, you face the likelihood of incurring stiff penalties (late payment fines and interest charges). The purpose of this ...
Views: 784 - Why Do Self-Employed People Hate the Self-Employment Tax? - by Submitted on Sep 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFor Sole Proprietors, Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax) is arguably the most hated of all tax forms. The purpose of the form is to calculate the dreaded self-employment tax that all self-employed people must pay. The purpose of this article is to explain the reason for this tax and the resulting ...
Views: 1708 - What Not to Report As Wages on Schedule C, Line 26 - by Submitted on Sep 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe purpose of this article is to help you understand the purpose of Schedule C, Line 26, Wages. Whether or not you have employees, if you are a Sole Proprietor, it is critical that you properly deduct expenses related to compensation. The purpose of Schedule C, Line 26 is to deduct employee ...
Views: 11973 - The Section 179 Business Income Limitation - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFor small business owners, one of the best deductions available is known as the Section 179. This tax rule allows you to deduct the full cost of business equipment in the year of purchase, rather than expensing the cost over several years through depreciation. Usually, it is better to take the ...
Views: 4137 - Tax Preparation: What Happens If You Don't File a Personal Income Tax Return by October 15? - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2011 from Wayne DaviesMost U.S. taxpayers file their personal income tax by April 15. But many take advantage of the automatic 6-month extension by filing Form 4868, which gives you until October 15 to file. What happens in you don't file your return by the extended due date? Here are the possible ...
Views: 1107 - Tax Preparation Services - Why You Want and Need An Experienced Tax Preparer - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFinding a good tax preparer can be a challenge. When it comes to credentials, there is no substitute for years of experience. Here's a story that will help communicate the importance of hiring an experienced tax preparation service rather than a novice. My father recently had heart surgery. ...
Views: 886 - Tax Preparation Services - How to Get a Copy of Your Income Tax Return From the IRS for Free - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Wayne DaviesTaxpayers often need a copy of a previously filed tax return for any number of reasons. Perhaps you are applying for a mortgage loan or you'd like to amend a return. What do you do if you can't find your copy? The article will explain the options for this often overlooked tax preparation ...
Views: 903 - Summer Tax Savings - Why Having a Yard Sale May Be a Bad Idea - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Wayne DaviesAre you planning to have a yard sale this year? If so, this article is for you. Read on to find out whether holding a yard sale is the best way to spend your time. Perhaps there is a better way to get rid of your old belongings while saving time and money. Let me ask you a question: Assuming ...
Views: 986 - Summer Tax Savings - Recordkeeping Requirements For Noncash Charitable Donations - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe IRS does mandate the recordkeeping requirements for non-cash charitable contributions. The purpose of this article is to help you understand what those requirements are, so you can take a deduction for donating "old stuff" to charity, without any fear of an IRS audit. Generally speaking, ...
Views: 967 - Summer Tax Savings - How to Properly Document Your Non-Cash Charitable Contributions - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you want to donate your old stuff instead of having a yard sale, you must make sure that what you want to donate can actually be deducted on your tax return. How do you know? Here's a simple rule to follow: If you're unsure whether your item qualifies for a tax deduction, then consider this - ...
Views: 867 - Summer Tax Savings - How to Get a Tax Deduction For Donating Used Items - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe purpose of this article is to help you prepare Form 8283, Non-cash Charitable Contributions. The rules for reporting charitable contributions on your tax return are a bit tricky, so take your time as you read on. We'll start with some of the basics on how to report what are known as non-cash ...
Views: 858 - Summer Tax Savings - 4 Reasons to Donate Your Stuff Instead of Having a Yard Sale - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe purpose of this article is to persuade you to not have a yard sale this year. Instead of holding a garage sale, why not give all your stuff to a charitable organization? I can think of at least four reasons to adopt this motto: Be charitable not profitable! Reason #1: You'll save time. ...
Views: 939 - Small Business Taxes - What is Your Biggest Obstacle to Paying Less Tax? - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesBefore I tell you the biggest obstacle to small business tax reduction, let me tell you a story. One foggy night the captain of a large ship saw what appeared to be another ship's lights approaching in the distance. The two were on a course that would mean a certain head-on collision. So ...
Views: 811 - Small Business Taxes - What is the #1 Reason You Pay Too Much Tax? - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2011 from Wayne DaviesWhat is the Number One reason you pay too much tax? Let's brainstorm. We all pay too much tax because: 1) Our elected politicians created the complicated and convoluted monster known as the U.S. Tax Code, and this monster takes our money away. 2) Public Enemy #1 (The IRS) takes our money ...
Views: 842 - Small Business Taxes - What is Self-Employment Tax and Why Must You Pay It? - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you are new to the world of self-employment, it's time for you to meet an old nemesis known as Self-employment tax. Self-employment (SE) tax is the sole proprietor's version of the social security and Medicare tax paid by employees. In case you didn't realize it, in 2008 employees were ...
Views: 818 - Small Business Taxes - What Happens If You Don't Make Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments? - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2011 from Wayne DaviesHow about a quick multiple-choice question on the world's most complicated subject: taxes. Here's the question: As a sole proprietor or self-employed person, what will the IRS do to you if you don't make federal quarterly estimated tax payments? Here's the possible answers: a. Carry you ...
Views: 876 - Small Business Taxes - What Are Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments and Why Must You Pay Them? - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you are a sole proprietor, a self-employed person or an independent contractor, you are faced with the probability of making federal quarterly estimated tax payments. These are called "quarterly" payments, but don't that word fool you. In typically confusing IRS jargon, here are the due ...
Views: 1053 - Small Business Taxes - New Law Turns Tax Loophole Into a Crater - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2011 from Wayne DaviesTired of dealing with those complex depreciation rules? Thanks to recent tax law changes, here's how to avoid them completely while benefiting from a lucrative small business tax break that not only puts money in your pocket, but also makes the filing of your income tax return much ...
Views: 888 - Small Business Taxes - How to Turn Bookkeeping Boredom Into a $175 Per Hour Payday - by Submitted on Aug 10, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFor most small business owners and self-employed people, bookkeeping is about as much fun as a root canal. But like it or not, it must be done, otherwise you'll end up overpaying your taxes big time. Perhaps this article will help you see this tedious task in a new light. Follow along with me ...
Views: 946 - Small Business Taxes - How to Pay the Right Amount of Quarterly Estimated Tax - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo you have trouble calculating quarterly estimated tax payments? Here are some helpful tips to make the process much easier and less stressful. If you're newly self-employed and unfamiliar with the IRS' estimated tax payment schedule, here are the due dates for the Year 2009 quarterly ...
Views: 970 - Small Business Taxes - How to Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your small business? You may be required to get an EIN for any number of reasons, such as: 1. Hiring employees 2. Forming a corporation 3. Forming a partnership 4. Buying a business 5. Starting a retirement plan 6. Filing ...
Views: 823 - Small Business Taxes - How to Contact the IRS Without Breaking Into a Sweat - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Wayne DaviesWe all love to criticize the IRS, don't we? It's easy to ridicule a huge organization of government bureaucrats who often seem to be Public Enemy #1. Our negative attitude toward the IRS can lead to a strong desire to just ignore it altogether. But self-employed people who ignore the IRS do ...
Views: 882 - Small Business Taxes - Do You Need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you run a small business or engage in self-employment activities, you may need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS, whether or not you have employees. An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity for tax ...
Views: 900 - Small Business Taxes - 6 Compelling Reasons to Pay Your Taxes Electronically - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDid you know that the IRS has made it significantly easier to make your federal tax payments on time? Let me introduce you to EFTPS - the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. It's been running along quite smoothly for many years now, and if you're not using it, here are six compelling ...
Views: 843 - Small Business Tax Tips - Why You Might Need to File Two Returns This Tax Season - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDoes just the thought of preparing your income tax return this year make your blood boil? And when you're done, do you break out the champagne and celebrate like it's New Year's Eve? (Or just reach for the Tylenol?) Well, guess what? I'm going to suggest that you inflict yourself with that ...
Views: 690 - Small Business Tax Tips - What's the Difference Between a Tax Deduction and a Tax Credit? - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo you understand the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit? This story should clarify the difference. A self-employed client (let's call her Debbie) came to me to prepare her income tax return. She was quite distraught because she had a balance due of $400. She could barely ...
Views: 812 - Small Business Tax Tips - I Forgot to Send Out 1099's by January 31 - What Do I Do Now? - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Wayne DaviesAre you a small business owner who hires independent contractors? If so, you may be required by the IRS to send out a Form 1099-MISC to those people. This article will help you determine your obligation to issue those 1099's. The basic rule works like this: Form 1099-MISC is used to report ...
Views: 1219 - Small Business Tax Tips - How to Prepare Form 4562 in 5 Simple Steps - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you bought equipment for your business last year such as a computer or a printer, you can deduct those items on your business income tax return. Usually that means tackling Form 4562 and entering one of the most complicated areas of tax law, the dreaded world known as depreciation. For ...
Views: 1164 - Small Business Tax Tips - How to Get a $1,000 Refund For a Return You've Already Filed - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDid you know you can get a refund for a return that you already filed? Yep, it's true. If you think you forgot a deduction on a previously filed return, you have three years to tell the IRS about it and receive a refund. Here's how it works: You can file an amended return up to three years ...
Views: 726 - Small Business Tax Tips - How to File an Extension For Your Income Tax Return - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFor all you procrastinators out there, here's a nuts 'n bolts guide on how to legally postpone the filing of your 2008 income tax returns. When it comes to putting things off, you can never plan too far ahead. In many cases the IRS allows you to file a no-questions-asked extension form. Which ...
Views: 814 - Small Business Tax Tips - Are You a Sole Proprietor (and Don't Even Know It?) - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo you wonder whether the IRS views you as a sole proprietor? Then you came to the right place. Step right up and get an answer to this all-important question. According to the IRS, a sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself. There are two key words ...
Views: 873 - Small Business Tax Tips - 3 Reasons to Benefit From IRS Audit Rates - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesWho's afraid of the IRS? Let's face it: We all are! And with good reason. IRS horror stories abound, and we all know someone who's been through an IRS audit and barely lived to tell about it. So the purpose of this article is to help calm those fears. Maybe I can't remove them completely, but ...
Views: 808 - Small Business Tax Mistakes - Why Getting a Big Refund is a Bad Idea - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesI will never forget the day that a tax client came into my office to pick up his income tax return. "How's it look?" he asked. "Well," I said, "It looks like you're getting a refund." "Great! How much?" "Oh, it's a big one," I said. "Over $5,000 dollars." Mr. Client couldn't have ...
Views: 885 - Small Business Tax Deductions - How to Deduct Your Next Vacation - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIt is perfectly legal to deduct your next vacation. Here's how to do it. To qualify for this deduction, you must meet the following two criteria: 1. You are self-employed or own a small business 2. On your next trip, you combine business with pleasure. The first requirement is pretty ...
Views: 1056 - Small Business Tax Deductions - How to Deduct Non-Deductible Commuting Mileage - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFor most folks, commuting mileage is a non-deductible expense -- unless you know the legal tax loophole I'm about to reveal. The non-deductibility of commuter miles is painfully true for the employee who fights rush hour traffic every day, twice a day, for 5 to 10 hours a week. All that ...
Views: 1044 - Small Business Tax Deductions - How to Deduct Meal Expenses Without Keeping Receipts - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesThe mantra of tax record-keeping has remained relentlessly burdensome for decades: no receipt, no deduction. But fear not, you who loathe the never-ending climb up the mountain of paperwork required by the U.S. tax code. Many of our most beloved tax rules have exceptions, and such is the case ...
Views: 1752 - Small Business Tax Deductions - "G" is For Gifts & Gas - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesHere are two valid expenses you can deduct on your small business income tax return, both beginning with the letter "G". Gifts. You can deduct the cost of gifts to customers and other business associates such as vendors, suppliers and service providers (like your accountant, attorney or ...
Views: 1107 - Small Business Tax Deductions - "F" is For FICA, FUTA & FIDO - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you own a small business and are looking for deductions, don't miss out on these. The first two you've probably heard about but don't really understand (until now). The third one may seem far-fetched (pardon the pun) but is legitimate if the circumstances described below fit your ...
Views: 3983 - Small Business Deductions - How to Drive the IRS Crazy - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesLooking for an easy way to increase your business deductions? Look no further than your driveway. First, the general rule: your vehicle is deductible to the extent you use it for business. So, if you drive your car 100% for business, all car-related expenses are deductible. But if you use ...
Views: 932 - Schedule C Tax Tips - Why Filing Schedule C-EZ May Be a Big Mistake For Your Small Business - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2011 from Wayne DaviesAre you a sole proprietor who files the shorter Schedule C-EZ rather than the traditional (and longer) Schedule C? If so, please read on to find out why you may be making a big mistake. First, a quick review of the qualifications for using Schedule C-EZ. You qualify if you meet these ...
Views: 1129 - Schedule C Tax Tips - What's Deductible? - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Wayne DaviesWhat is the most frequently asked tax question? Are you ready? Here it is: "What's deductible?" That's it. Without a doubt, it's the most common tax question I receive every year. It comes in several forms, such as: -How do I identify all the deductions I'm allowed to take? -Is there ...
Views: 1571 - Schedule C Tax Tips - What Payroll Tax Forms Should You File? - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Wayne DaviesIf you own a sole proprietorship and have employees, what payroll-related tax forms are you required to file? This article will answer that question. First things first. Let's check to make sure you really have employees. Take a look at Schedule C, Line 26, Wages. If there's an amount on that ...
Views: 2410 - Schedule C Tax Tips - What Income Tax Forms Should You File? - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Wayne DaviesAre you running a small business as a sole proprietor? Are you confused about which tax forms you are required to file? Here's an overview of the most common forms you'll need to prepare this tax season. 1. Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business. Be sure you really are a sole proprietor ...
Views: 975 - Schedule C Tax Tips - How to Report Income on Your Tax Return (Part I) - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo you ever get confused about reporting your income on Schedule C? This article will help you get un-confused. First, let's define what we mean by "income". Generally speaking, income is the money you receive from the sale of products or services in your small business or self-employment ...
Views: 1076 - Schedule C Tax Tips - 3 Easy Ways to Reduce Self-Employment Tax - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Wayne DaviesFrustrated with the amount of self-employment (SE) tax you pay each year? You should be. The sole proprietor pays twice as much in SE tax (15.3%) as the employee pays in federal payroll taxes (7.65%). What's a Schedule C filer to do? Here are three ways to reduce the dreaded SE tax. 1. Take ...
Views: 1539 - Schedule C Tax Deductions - How to Deduct the Cost of Goods Sold - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesAre you a sole proprietor who sells a product? Then you need to know how to deduct expenses related to the sale of those products. The purpose of this article is to give you an overview of what is potentially your biggest tax deduction. First, let's discuss an important concept related to ...
Views: 1889 - Schedule C Tax Deductions - "E" is For Employees, Education and Entertainment - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesLooking for legitimate tax deductions for your income tax returns this year? Here are three common expenses you can deduct on Schedule C, all starting with the letter "E". Employees. There are several legal deductions related to your employees. Obviously, the compensation you pay them is ...
Views: 3373 - Schedule C Tax Deductions - "D" is For "Don't Do Depreciation" - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2011 from Wayne DaviesDo your eyes glaze over at the thought of those mind-numbing depreciation rules? Well, take heart, sole proprietor. Thanks to a tax law known as Section 179, you can probably kiss those depreciation rules good-bye. Depreciation is the name we use for deducting the cost of business assets such ...
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